Organized by the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM), Brazilian Franchise Association, Association of Chain and Franchise Promotion, Taiwan, Macao International Brand Enterprise Commercial Association (MIBA), Macau Chain Stores and Franchise Association and Licensing and Franchising Association of Hong Kong, with the support of the China Chain Store and Franchise Association (CCFA), International Franchise Association (IFA) and Japan Franchise Association (JFA), coordinate by the Association of Advertising Agents of Macau, the “Macao Franchise Expo 2011” (2011MFE) will be held from 8 to 10 July 2011 at Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel CotaiExpo Hall D.

Diversified contents to establish a showcasing platform for franchise businessBased on the experience from the organization of the previous MFEs, this year´s MFE will be an exhibition event congregating a variety of services and functions. Starting this year, the event will be renamed “澳門國際品牌連鎖加盟展” to highlight the international elements of the expo. The event aims to attract the participation of more international brands to promote their products in Macao, thus providing more opportunities for the local Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) to establish business relationships in franchising and chain operations with enterprises from neighbouring countries/regions, while utilizing MFE and Macao as the showcasing platform for the franchise and chain operations industries and create broader business opportunities. The 3-day event will include exhibition, forums and seminars, business matching sessions and brands/services promotion, during which the exhibitors´ franchising, chain operations and brand agency projects will be presented. The event will also feature concurrent activities and supplementary services, such as business promotion and marketing consultancy.

Incentives to encourage SMEs´ participation - fostering business transformation to explore new markets
In conjunction with the Macao SAR´s government policy of supporting the sustainable development of the local SMEs, 2011MFE aims to provide ample business opportunities to the local enterprises. The expo aims to assist SMEs to take advantage of cooperation with franchise, chain, brand agencies, thereby bolstering SME´s business transformation and satisfy their development needs. 2011 MFE will continue to provide exhibition incentives to local SMEs. Eligible Macao enterprises can apply up to 60% exhibition enrollment subsidies.

Convergence of multiple franchise brands worldwide, food tasting and plaza with Macao specialty to enliven the atmosphere2011MFE will be held at Hall D of Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel CotaiExpo this year. The venue has an area of 5000 square metres. MFE2011 is committed to promoting the participation of international brands operators from different countries, so as to put more international flavour to the event, being a vehicle to promote the development of the franchise business in Macao.

Up to the present, the Organizers have already received participation intentions from Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong and Macao, mainly engaged in the following business sectors: services, retail, fashion/fashion accessories, food and beverage, education, etc., including Chinese and foreign famous brands. A survey conducted last year shows that franchising of food and beverage sector attracted relatively more attention. To showcase the exhibitors´ franchise concept and business model, while enlivening the atmosphere and the effectiveness of the business matching sessions, apart from the bringing back the food tasting area of 2011MFE, the Organizers accordingly plan to set-up a plaza serving Macao special food delicacies. “One-stop” Macao trade and economic enquiry services, legal consultancy and other support services will be offered at the venue, to provide to the investors a better understanding of franchise and related businesses.

Local enterprises interested to participate as exhibitors are welcome to obtain the relevant application form from now on until May 26 2011, during business hours, at the Macao Business Support Centre of IPIM (Alameda Dr. Carlos d´Assumpção, no. 263, China Civil Plaza, 19th Floor). Due to the limited number of booths available, allocation will be on a first-come first-served basis. The Organizers reserve the final decision on the selection of exhibitors. Registration and enquiry hotline: +853 2872 8212, e-mail: smec@ipim.gov.mo.